From Dr. Barbara Hoekje, Director

  Dr. Barbara Hoekje
 

  March 12, 2008

Dear ELC Students,

I recently saw a report called "Seven hundred reasons for studying languages." This report was written by researchers at a university in England. They asked students who were studying a foreign language why they were studying. The students gave more than 700 reasons! Some of their reasons are these:

  1. Personal enjoyment
  2. Better jobs
  3. Better relationships with other people and other countries
  4. Learning a language expands your mind
  5. Different languages are beautiful
The researchers were surprised that "personal enjoyment" was such an important reason for people.

I also think learning a language can be very enjoyable. I have enjoyed studying ancient languages such as ancient Greek and Latin and modern languages such as Spanish.

What is your reason for studying another language?

With all good wishes for a nice spring break and safe travels,

Barbara Hoekje
Director, ELC

215 895-2067 (phone)
215 895-6775 (fax)